Chuquiragua

This is the most significant shrub of the high altitude regions.
It belongs to the asteraceas and is called Chuquiragua or Flor de los Andes, meaning Flower of the Andes.
For the climbers and hikers in the Andes, it represents their symbol flower as does the Edelweiss in the Alps.
It has medicinal properties and is used since centuries as a herbal tea for kidney and stomach aches.